Aurora, Colorado — On August 23, 2025, just before 5 p.m., Flock cameras alerted Aurora Police Officers to a stolen Chevy Express van near 16th and Dayton. Due to Real Time Information Center, officers quickly found the van and attempted a traffic stop. The driver 34-year-old John Raspitha, who has a long history with police, didn’t comply. A pursuit began, with multiple PIT maneuvers attempted but unsuccessful. Finally, near E 14th between Poplar and Pontiac, a flat tire brought the stolen van to a crawl, allowing officers to execute a successful PIT to stop the joyride.
Raspitha refused to exit the vehicle despite repeated commands. Officers attempted to breach the window with a 40mm, which didn’t work, so they used another tool to break it and deployed pepper ball rounds. However, Raspitha lit a cigarette, told officers he’d come out after he finished it, and sat back for a smoke break. He quickly exited on his own. Inside the van, officers found multiple credit/debit cards and IDs, all belonging to other people. Raspitha is now facing charges including motor vehicle theft, eluding, obstruction, and criminal possession of financial devices. His past charges include eluding, resisting arrest, assault, and drug trafficking just to name a few. Official charges for this incident will come from the 17th Judicial District.
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